Any way to do a DIY stonewash finish?

[brightb]

Hello guys, it was recommended I ask this question here...
I really like the look of a stone washed titanium scale, and would like my Spyderco Leafstorm to have it. Is there any way to do it at home?. I'm not afraid of a little elbow grease!

thanks,

Bill

 

[nivejuncky]

I have been wondering the same thing myself.

 

[65535]

The stone wash is pretty simple, take a smoothly finished piece sanded up to say 2000 grit, then drop it in a tumbler or vibratory polisher with the proper media, not sure how else you could mimic the effect, maybe a tupperwear box and media?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I haven't done this myself, but read an interesting post once about a chap who uses a drywall bucket ,half filled with sand, pea gravel, water and borax. He sticks it in a cheapo small cement mixer (HF,IIRC), and runs it for a few minutes to as much as an hour. He tumbled all sorts of things in it.

You could probably set the bucket on the ground and rock/poll it back and forth with your foot while enjoying a beer and get similar results.

 

[JasonSCarter]

Here's a pretty simply made one,
http://www.metalsmith.org/edu/equipment/tumblers/foster.htm

also for the size your wanting to do as long as they arent over 4.5"
http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Crafts-Rock-Tumbler/dp/B00000ISUU

 

[hathegkla]

Harbor Freight has rock tumblers and Vibrator/Tumblers that are very inexpensive.

 

[brightb]

Thanks gentlemen!

Bill